Delhi is currently shivering through a deep chill that’s more than just “winter vibes.” As of Tuesday, January 6, 2026, the mercury is hovering around 7°C, and the IMD is warning that it’s going to get even colder over the next few days.
The thing is, it’s not just the temperature—it’s the “grey ceiling.” A mix of dense fog and “Very Poor” air quality (AQI around 331) has basically locked the city in a cold, toxic trap. Or nothing. Let’s be real, when you can’t see the end of the runway at IGI Airport, you know the “CAT III” landing protocols are the only thing keeping the city connected. Those too.
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The “Delhi Freeze” Log: Field Notes
It’s an ongoing situation where the body starts losing the battle against the cold if you aren’t careful.
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The Flight Chaos: Delhi Airport is under CAT III conditions. If you’re traveling, don’t just head to the terminal—check your phone. Over 60 flights were messed with yesterday, and today isn’t looking much better.
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The Hypothermia Hazard: This isn’t just for mountain climbers. If your core temp dips below 95°F (35°C), your heart and brain start lagging.
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The Warning Signs: It starts with shivering (your body’s “emergency heater”), but then comes the “mumbles and stumbles”—slurred speech, clumsiness, and confusion. If someone stops shivering but is still cold and confused, that’s a medical emergency.
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The AQI Factor: The fog is trapping all the PM2.5 close to the ground. Breathing this cold, heavy air is a double whammy for anyone with heart or lung issues.
Survival Kit: Pro Tips for Jan 2026
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[Table: How to Fight the Cold Wave]
| Action | The “Live Raw” Advice |
| Layering | Don’t just wear one heavy coat. Use a thin base (wicking), a middle fleece (insulation), and a shell (windproof). |
| Head & Hands | 30% of your heat vanishes from your head. Wear a beanie. Use mittens instead of gloves—fingers stay warmer when they touch each other. |
| Stay Dry | Wet skin loses heat 25x faster than dry skin. If you sweat or get caught in mist, change clothes immediately. |
| Fuel | Drink warm, non-caffeinated fluids. Skip the booze—alcohol actually makes you lose heat faster by dilating your blood vessels. |
And Here’s the Kicker…
The “Cold Day” vs “Cold Wave” distinction. We’re hitting “Cold Wave” territory because the minimums are falling nearly 5°C below normal. The thing is, the wind chill from the Northwesterly winds is making that 7°C feel more like 4°C.
It’s a messy week ahead. Schools in Noida have already canned outdoor sports, and the “Guerrilla Dhaba” protesters at JNU (see previous notes) are likely feeling this bite tonight. It’s a sustained cold spell, not a one-day dip, so keep the heaters ventilated—carbon monoxide poisoning is the “silent killer” in Delhi winters when people seal their rooms too tight.
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End…
